Brazil to Host Women's World Cup 2027; Germany Loses Bid
The German Football Association, along with Belgium and the Netherlands, has failed to secure the bid for hosting the 2027 Women's World Cup. The tournament will instead be given to Brazil at the FIFA Congress in Bangkok.
Disappointment looms at DFB, as they lost to Brazil in the race for the hosting rights. Congress attendees in Bangkok, Thailand, cast their votes in favor of the South American country. This marks the first time the Women's World Cup will take place in South America.
Germany last solo hosted the World Cup in 2011. The German Football Association collaborated with Belgium and the Netherlands, with a theme of "Breaking New Ground." The current bidding process saw the withdrawal of the US and Mexico joint bid, as well as South Africa.
FIFA's evaluation report casts doubts
At the final presentation, DFB President Bernd Neuendorf touted "the most commercially successful Women's World Cup to date" and "the most compact tournament" possible. His vision was to organize "the biggest celebration of women's soccer in history."
The DFB and its partners entered the voting process as underdogs. FIFA's evaluation report sparked concerns, as Brazil received 4.0 out of a possible 5, compared to Europe's 3.7. However, the report is merely a recommendation and not always an accurate indication of the final decision.
The report cited "a number of legal risks" with the European bidders, raising concerns about potential "operational and financial problems" if FIFA gave its approval. It's evident that the world governing body is focused on maximizing revenue. In past instances, FIFA has previously faced issues when unable to achieve the desired level of state support and tax breaks.
No prospect of a home tournament for the foreseeable future?
The Germans have made their final pitch, but it fell short. Neuendorf and sports director Nia Kuenzer spent the past few days lobbying FIFA members. Along the way, they enlisted the support of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
The German Football Association may have missed their opportunity for a home World Cup for years to come. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been actively developing relationships with the US ahead of the 2026 men's tournament, which is noted as a potential candidate for the 2031 Women's World Cup, as the US withdrew their bid for the 2027 tournament. The next potential opportunity for the DFB may not present itself until 2035. Brazil still boasts many infrastructural facilities remaining from prior sporting events: the Men's World Cup in 2014 and the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Germany, who won the 2014 Men's World Cup, will not be the host nation for the Women's World Cup in the near future.
Read also:
- Prodigies of sport: Littler's predecessors
- Nagelsmann's announcement: A restless Christmas for national team players
- What sports fans prefer to watch on television
- The calm before the upheaval: Nagelsmann's European Championship plans
Source: www.ntv.de
